• What's the best four-year college? 

    What kind of college do you see yourself attending?  It's very important that students take the time to research their college options and find the college that fits what they are looking for in a college experience.
    Source:  The CollegeBoard

    Liberal Arts Colleges:  These college offer a broad base of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small and personal attention is available.  For the best Liberal Arts Colleges visit U.S. News & World Report.

    Universities:  Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional size and some classes may taught by graduate students.  For a listing of all U.S. Colleges & Universities click here or visit The CollegeBoard website.
     
    Agricultural, Technical, and Specialized Colleges:  Have you made a clear decision about what you want to do with your life? Specialized colleges emphasize preparation for specific careers. Examples include Art/Music, Bible, Business, Health Science, Seminary/Rabbinical, and Teaching.  For more info visit The CollegeBoard website.
     
    Public vs. Private:  On the one hand, public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state residents. They get most of their money from the state or local government. Examples of public institutions are:  community college, Cal State Universities and UC campuses.
     
    Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and other private sources. On the other hand, private colleges are usually smaller and can offer more personalized attention (and some believe, more prestige).  Examples of private institutions include:  USC, Chapman University, Stanford University, etc.  You can apply to more than one private college using one application.  Visit The CommonApp website for a listing of participating colleges.
     
    Special Interests
    • Single-Sex: All four-year public colleges and most private schools are co-ed. Although they may enroll a few members of the opposite sex, there are fewer than 100 colleges for only men and a similar amount for women.  Examples of Women's Colleges include:  Smith College; Wellesley College; Mills College; Mount Saint Mary's College.  Men's Colleges: Saint John's University; Morehouse College; Wabash College.
    • Historically Black Colleges: Historically-black colleges find their origins in the time when African American students were systematically denied access to most other colleges and universities. These schools offer students a unique opportunity to experience an educational community in which they're part of the majority.  To learn more about Historically Black Colleges visit:  www.blackcollegesearch.com
    • Hispanic-Serving Institutes: The federal government considers a college as "Hispanic-Serving” if at least 25 percent of the total full-time undergraduate enrollment is made up of Hispanic students.  For a list of HSI colleges, visit:  www.hacu.net
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
Last Modified on May 1, 2020